Thyroglobulin (serum/plasma mass concentration)
This test measures the amount of thyroglobulin, a protein produced by thyroid cells, in your blood. It’s often used to monitor thyroid cancer treatment or check for recurrence.
["Thyroglobulin helps track thyroid health, especially after treatment for thyroid cancer."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 3013-0
- Short code
- Thyroglob SerPl-mCnc
- Synonyms
- Thyroglob SerPl-mCnc
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Specimen volume
- 5 mL
- Stability
- Room temperature: 4h, Refrigerated: 24h, Frozen: 7d
- Hemolysis max
- 500
- Lipemia max
- 1000
- Icterus max
- 500
- TAT
- 4–24 hours
- Order
- routine
Why Is This Test Done?
Your healthcare provider may order this test if you have a history of thyroid cancer, especially after treatment like surgery or radioactive iodine therapy. It can also help check for thyroid nodules or autoimmune thyroid diseases, though other tests (like thyroid-stimulating hormone) are often used first.
What Does a Result Mean?
Results can vary widely based on your medical history and treatment. Low levels may suggest thyroid cancer remission, while persistently high levels could indicate recurrence or other thyroid issues. Your doctor will interpret results in the context of your overall health and test history.
How Is the Test Performed?
A blood sample is drawn from a vein in your arm. The blood is sent to a lab where it’s analyzed using a sensitive immunoassay method to measure thyroglobulin levels.
What Are Common Preparations?
No special preparation is usually needed, but you may be asked to avoid certain medications or supplements for a few days before testing if instructed by your doctor.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Thyroglobulin plays a key role in thyroid cancer monitoring. Low levels after treatment often mean the cancer is under control, while elevated levels may signal a need for further evaluation, such as additional imaging or follow-up tests. It’s also sometimes used in diagnosing autoimmune thyroid conditions, though other tests are often prioritized first.
Short name
Thyroglobulin
Frequently asked questions
Can I eat or drink before this test?
What does a ‘normal’ result mean for me?
Will I need to repeat this test?
Sources
- 1
- 2Lab Tests OnlineSource
- 3
Click any link to access the full source. PubMed Central (PMC) links provide free full-text access.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy